Mark 13:1-8 (The Message)
“As he walked away from the Temple, one of his disciples said, “Teacher, look at that stonework! Those buildings!”
2 Jesus said, “You’re impressed by this grandiose architecture? There’s not a stone in the whole works that is not going to end up in a heap of rubble.”
3-4 Later, as he was sitting on Mount Olives in full view of the Temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew got him off by himself and asked, “Tell us, when is this going to happen? What sign will we get that things are coming to a head?”
5-8 Jesus began, “Watch out for doomsday deceivers. Many leaders are going to show up with forged identities claiming, ‘I’m the One.’ They will deceive a lot of people. When you hear of wars and rumored wars, keep your head and don’t panic. This is routine history, and no sign of the end. Nation will fight nation and ruler fight ruler, over and over. Earthquakes will occur in various places. There will be famines. But these things are nothing compared to what’s coming.”
Let me pass on to you these words from David F. Watson, New Testament professor at Union Seminary, Dayton, Ohio.
“These are complex (words), deeply rooted in Old Testament language, history and theology. Yet, despite the difficulties that they present, they are also powerful (words) that teach us not to follow false messiahs and prophets. The dangers of overzealous nationalism and reactionary violence are clear in this passage. Violence begets violence. (Amen to that!) Followers of Jesus are to trust in God’s providential care even if the world around them seems to be falling apart before their eyes.”
And that takes a lot of faith courage!
All that we know is that Jesus will be there at the end and no matter what, it will be good! So watch, keep awake, stay alert, and don’t worry about it!
"Concerning that
day or hour
nobody knows.”
Mark 13:32
Prayer thought for the week: “Lord, help me to live today with love and kindness, not worrying about the end which is in your hands and will be good.”
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